MG Book Review: Serafina and the Splintered Heart by Robert Beatty

The 1890s were the heyday of the fabulous Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. The Vanderbilts entertained guests with lavish house parties that could last for weeks. Running an estate of that size required hundreds of employees including 12-year-old Serafina who specializes in catching rats. Serafina has exceptional hearing, eyesight, reflexes and strength because she’s part human and part mountain lion. She also has exceptional loyalty to those she loves.

In the first two stories, Serafina and the Black Cloak and Serafina and the Twisted Staff, this remarkably brave girl saves the Vanderbilt family from an evil sorcerer who has sworn vengeance on Mr. Vanderbilt. In the process, she befriends his nephew Braedon Vanderbilt, who has magical gifts of his own.

Serafina’s third adventure is the most nail-biting of them all. In battle after battle, she faces long odds and has to find more courage and strength than she’s ever had to have before. There’s no way to tell you what happens without divulging some key plot points and I wouldn’t want to ruin it for Serafina’s fans. If you have read the other two Serafina books, you have to read Splintered Heart. Trust me. You won’t want to miss this one.

This series is a wonderful blend of fantasy, mystery and historic fiction that would appeal to readers ages nine and up. I recommend that you start at the beginning and treat the series as a trilogy.